The Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 regulates the employment of women in certain establishments during and after pregnancy to provide maternity benefits. Key provisions include:
- Women are entitled to 26 weeks of paid leave, including 6 weeks before and 18 weeks after delivery for up to two surviving children. Additional benefits include nursing breaks and no termination or deduction of wages during leave.
- The Act applies to establishments with 10 or more employees and those belonging to the government. To be eligible, a woman must have worked 80 days in the last 12 months.
- Benefits include payment of wages during leave, a medical bonus of Rs. 250, and additional leave for miscarriage, illness, or medical procedures like tubectomy. Employers